Calendar: Creating wearable floral designs

LEWISTOWN, Ill. — The Floral Design Workshop Series: Wearable Art will be 1 to 3 p.m. April 16 at Fulton County Extension, 15411 IL-100, Lewistown.

Christine Wright, Hy-Vee floral manager, shares her tips and tricks for creating wearable floral designs. Participants will learn how to make wrist corsages, pin-on corsages, pocket boutonnieres, and pin-on boutonnieres, along with ideas for hosting a DIY corsage or boutonniere bar for weddings, parties, and special events.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5fkx7k7p.

Fondant Fundamentals

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Fondant Fundamentals will be 6 to 7 p.m. CT April 7 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

This workshop will teach 4-H members in grades 3 -12 how to cover a cake in fondant that will be made in class.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4ekees4y. For more information, call 708-997-3322 or email rkjlpozen@gmail.com.

This workshop will be repeated 10 to 11 a.m. CT April 11 at Zion United Church, 14804 W. 113th Ave., Dyer. Register at https://tinyurl.com/epn3ympn.

Indiana R-STEP

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Economic Effects of Local Renewable Energy Restrictions will be the topic of the indiana R-STEP webinar, 2 to 3 p.m. ET April 8.

Michael Hicks, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, will share findings from a recent research project examining the economic effects of local renewable energy restrictions on Indiana counties. Drawing on empirical analysis of wind and solar projects, this session will explore how restrictions on renewable energy investments influence GDP, employment, and fiscal conditions in Indiana counties.

This webinar will be especially relevant for local elected officials, plan commission members, economic development professionals, and community leaders navigating renewable energy proposals in their communities. Participants will gain data-driven insights to inform local decision-making and better understand the fiscal and economic trade-offs associated with renewable energy projects

Register for this free Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning webinar by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4e7abr4j.

Family Conference

ULLIN, Ill. — The Family and Consumer Sciences Conference will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 9 at Shawnee Community College, 8364 Shawnee College Road, Ullin.

Attendees will participate in three different workshops, enjoy lunch from Connie’s, and receive door prizes.

Pressure Cooking

CLINTON, Ill. — Cooking Under Pressure will be 10 to 11 a.m. April 9 at Warner Wellness Center, 418 W. South St., Clinton.

Electric pressure cookers help tenderize meat, cook grains, beans, and vegetables quickly, and can even make desserts. Learn the basics of using the popular appliance, including safety steps.

Along with the lesson, participants will enjoy a recipe demonstration and tasting.

The Garden Within

COAL VALLEY, Ill. — Nourish the Garden Within will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 9 at Robert R. Jones Public Library, 900 1st St., Coal Valley.

Just like a thriving garden needs the right soil, sunlight, and care, your gut depends on balance, nourishment, and variety to flourish. In this session, Kristin Bogdonas, Illinois Extension food and nutrition educator, will show participants how to “feed” their gut microbiome through foods rich in fiber, fermented favorites, and plant diversity. Receive practical tips that support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.

Register by emailing kfloyd@robertjoneslibrary.org or call 309-799-3047. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/53ck8u4y.

Mindfulness Hike

PEORIA, Ill. — The Mindfulness Hike will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 10 at Springdale Cemetery, 3014 N. Prospect Road, Peoria.

Mindfulness hikes are designed to help participants unwind, sharpen their senses, and deepen connections to the natural world. Notice the sights, sounds, textures, and rhythms of nature through simple mindfulness practices and guided reflection.

Birds and Blooms

DECATUR, Ill. — Spring Birds and Blooms will be 8 a.m. to noon April 11 at Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur.

Participants will learn about spring birds and simple ways to identify them, and colorful spring blooms and the native plants that attract birds and pollinators. There also will be photography tips to capture what you find outdoors, and information about nature apps that help identify and explore plants and wildlife. There will be andoptional hike at the end of the day.

Cost is $10 and includes a continental breakfast. Register at https://tinyurl.com/jrnubw7z.

Ready, Set, Grow

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — Gardenfest — Ready, Set, Grow will 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11 at McHenry County College, Building B, 8900 Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

Explore the latest gardening trends and techniques in this daylong series of seminars for gardeners of every skill level. Participants will gain practical tips for growing tomatoes, grapes, fruit trees, and more. There will be tips on tool maintenance and a tour of the hydroponic and aquaponic systems in the MCC Greenhouse.

The expanded Community Expo will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for handmade art, garden accents, and textiles from local vendors.

Held annually, Gardenfest is sponsored by McHenry County College and McHenry County Extension master gardeners.

Roots to Readiness

MONTICELLO, Ind. — Roots to Readiness will be 9 a.m. to noon ET April 11 at Monticello United Methodist Church, 200 S. Main St., Monticello.

This interactive training brings together a panel of experienced kindergarten teachers to share what children truly need to be ready for school, beyond letter recognition and counting. Through real classroom examples, hands-on strategies, and honest conversation, childcare providers will learn how to build children’s confidence, independence, social-emotional skills, and foundational academic readiness. Participants will leave with practical ideas they can use right away to help children walk into kindergarten feeling capable, prepared, and excited to learn.

Fisheries Meeting

EVANSTON, Ill. — The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Lake Michigan Fisheries Meeting will be 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT April 11 at Evanston Public Library, Falcon Room, 1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston.

Anglers, chart captains and lake enthusiasts will receive information on fish biology and fisheries science happening in Lake Michigan. Workshop features speakers from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Green Bay Fish & Wildlife, and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.

Workshop topics will include: Reef restoration impacts on aquatic and fish species; Wild reproduction rates for salmon and trout species; and Fisheries update.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/n6yz98z3. The program also will be offered virtually from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CT April 16.

Sapling Distribution

CHICAGO — Native Sapling Distribution for Cook County will be 1 to 3 p.m. April 11 at Illinois Extension South Branch, 8753 S. Greenwood Ave., Suite 100, Chicago; and 1 to 3 p.m. April 12 at Mayfield Garden with Austin Garden Collective, 301 N. Mayfield Ave., Chicago.

Offered this year are American Plum, Chickasaw Plum, Elderberry, Hazelnut, Pawpaw, Persimmon, and Serviceberry.

The trees and shrubs are young bare-root saplings and should be planted as soon as possible after pick up. While easy to plant due to their small size, they will require regular watering during their first couple of growing seasons.

For more information and reserve your sapling, visit https://tinyurl.com/3a5kdmuw.

Rain Gardens

WHITING, Ind. — The program Rain Gardens, presented by Dolly Foster, horticulture program assistant with Purdue Extension, will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. CT April 11 at Whiting Public Library, 1735 Oliver St., Whiting.

Intro to Social Media

VALPARAISO, Ind. — Senior Planet from AARP will present the program Intro to Social Media, 1 to 2 p.m. CT April 13 at Porter County Aging & Community Services, 1005 Campbell St., Valparaiso.

Participants will receive a general intro to social media and learn about some of the more popular social media sites, including Facebook, X, and TikTok.

To register, call 219-464-9904. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr9zemww.

Gardening 101

BLUFFTON, Ind. — Senior Snippets: Gardening 101 will be 2 to 3 p.m. ET Mondays, April 13-May 11, at Washington Park Indoor Pavilion, 710 S. Mulberry St., Bluffton.

Topics will include Getting Started: Soils and Plant Nutrition; Starting Seeds/Transplanting; All about Ornamentals; All About Vegetables; and Garden Pest Management.

Register by calling 260-824-6069 or email events@blufftonindiana.gov. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2cdczefc.

Backyard Poultry

GOSHEN, Ind. — The Backyard Poultry Program will be 6 to 8 p.m. ET April 13 at Elkhart County Extension, Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

This beginner-friendly session will cover everything a new poultry owner needs to know — from setting up proper housing and choosing the right nutrition, to egg management and keeping your birds healthy and thriving.

To register for this free program, call Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3t7kfcw7.

Home Horticulture

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Spring Series of Home Horticulture kicks off 6 to 8 p.m. April 13 at Hauberg Estate Carriage House, 1300 24th St., Rock Island.

Topics will cover:

• Good Bugs in the Garden by Ken Johnson, horticulture educator. Not all insects we find in our garden are pests. In fact, most insects are not pests at all. Explore some of the most beneficial insects and ways to attract them.

• Building Healthy Soil for Your Landscape by Chris Enroth, horticulture educator. Healthy soils are the foundation of a thriving landscape. In this presentation, participants will explore the science and the strategies behind building and maintaining soil that supports plant health. This session will include soil testing and the methods for soil improvement, including compost and cover crops.

Gardening on a Budget

OREGON, Ill. — Gardening on a Budget will be 10 to 11 a.m. April 14 at Oregon Public Library, 300 Jefferson St., Oregon.

Starting a container garden can benefit your budget and be a fruitful hobby that satisfies your taste buds. Learn about the start-up expenses for a container garden and plan your produce to supplement your food budget.

Healthy Living

BLUFFTON, Ind. — Senior Snippets: 5 Essentials to Healthy Living will be 2 to 3 p.m. ET Tuesdays, April 14-May 12, at Washington Park Indoor Pavilion, 710 S. Mulberry St., Bluffton.

Topics will include Hydration for Health, Sleep for Health, Eating for Health, Nature for Health, and Physical Activity for Health.

Register by calling 260-824-6069 or email events@blufftonindiana.gov. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3frpvx3p.

Digital Skills

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Digital Skills Lessons: Introduction to Microsoft Word will be 4 to 5 p.m. ET April 14 at at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Introduction to Microsoft Word gives participants the opportunity to explore how to access the full potential of the word processing program. This workshop guides a beginner through instruction on customizing text font, changing the layout, using the clipboard, and using spelling and grammar check. At the end of this session, participants will know how to create a final document, save their newly created document, and organize their documents in folders and subfolders.

Computers are not provided; please bring a personal laptop to participate.

Meats Workshop

ST. JOHN, Ind. — The Lake County 4-H Consumer Meats Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. CT April 14 at Welch’s Stop & Shop, 11333 W 95th Ave., St. John.

Participants will learn about different cuts of meat.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yck42sus.

Edible Landscaping

LINDENHURST, Ill. — Edible Landscaping will be 7 to 8 p.m. April 14 at Lake Villa District Library, 140 N. Munn Road, Lindenhurst.

By combining trees, vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, or small fruits and berries in aesthetically pleasing ways, edible landscapes can be just as attractive as ornamental ones. Learn how to eat your yard by creating a tasteful home landscape using edible plants. University of Illinois Extension master gardeners will cover both simple suggestions to ease into integration and more ambitious designs.

Preserve the Season

SHEFFIELD, Ill. — Preserve the Season will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 14 at Cornerstone Community Wellness, 302 N. Mason St., Sheffield.

Susan Glassman, Extension health and community wellness food and nutrition educator, will discuss food preservation methods along with food safety and produce handling practices, and healthy lifestyle benefits. Gain practical knowledge, skills and confidence to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy long after harvest. Participants will take home resources and recipes, and make quick and easy refrigerator pickles in class.

Land Leasing Basics

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Land Leasing Basics will be 6 to 7 p.m. April 14.

Leasing farmland is so commonplace that landowners, farmers, and ranchers may only think about the lease itself once things go wrong. Prevent problems with a strong lease while building a path to a resilient future. Learn what a lease should include and how to put it in writing. Get started with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to create a strong document that works for individual needs, whether a landowner, rancher, or farmer.

Watersheds and Stewardship

LEWISTOWN, Ill. — Watersheds and Stewardship will be the topic of the April master naturalist meeting, 10 a.m. to noon April 15 at Therkildsen Field Station, 11316 N. Prairie Road, Lewistown.

The meeting will provide both educational content and practical tools to support future outreach and volunteer engagement.

Topics will include an overview of the Emiquon Preserve and its role in the watershed; the regional impact of watershed systems; and a discussion about the Watershed Stewardship Program. There will be a hands-on lesson using the Water Runoff Enviroscape model.

4-H Night

ROCKVILLE, Ind. — 4-H Night will be 5 to 7 p.m. ET April 15 at Parke County Fairgrounds, 1472 N. U.S. 41, Rockville.

There will be 4-H exhibits on display, project demonstrations and craft stations. Families can learn about 4-H and enroll.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n72pp5t. Contact Tanner Edge, 765-569-3176, or tdedge@purdue.edu.

Barn Quilt Workshop

SALEM, Ind. — Barn Quilt Creation Workshop will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. ET April 15, April 16, April 22 and April 23 at Washington County Government Building Meeting Room, 806 Martinsburg Road, Salem.

The workshop is for all skill levels and no prior experience is required. Each class will include demonstrations, educational content, and fellowship in a creative atmosphere. All supplies, including wood boards, paint and brushes, will be provided.

Thrifty Chicken

KOUTS, Ind. — Thrifty Chicken will be 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. CT April 15 at Open Door Fellowship Church, 636 S. Baums Bridge Road, Kouts.

Learn how to cut up a raw whole chicken. Every participant will cut their own 8- to 10-pound chicken to take home. Also discussed will be recipe options for different parts, and how to make your own chicken stock.

Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4kky3a8m.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Low-Maintenance Landscaping will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 16 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Master Gardener Madelynn Wilharm will talk about plant options, tools, garden design, and other considerations that all lead to having a low-maintenance landscape in your yard.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/595nsmrw.

Coop to Cutting Board

GOSHEN, Ind. — From Coop to Cutting Board: Cutting Skills & Kitchen Safety will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. ET April 16 at Elkhart County Extension, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

During this free workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience learning how to break down a whole, store-bought chicken into individual cuts such as drumsticks, wings, thighs, and breasts. The second hands-on portion of the workshop will focus on evaluating egg quality and freshness, along with proper handling and storage techniques to help maintain safety and extend shelf life.

Register by calling Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n6m3exn.

Top It Off

MAROA, Ill. — Top It Off will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 16 at Maroa Library, 505 Garfield St., Maroa.

Sometimes the best flavors are put right on top. From the classic ketchup and mustard to lesser-known toppings like chutney and chimichurri, explore a world of tasty condiments and relishes. Learn about the nutritional value of these sauces and ways to include them in meals while sampling a few unique flavors.

Freezing Your Harvest

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Freezing Your Summer Harvest workshop will be 6 to 8 p.m. April 16 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Freezing is one of the easiest and least time-consuming methods of preserving food. Best of all, it allows us to keep the natural color, fresh flavor, and nutritional qualities of most foods better than other known food preservation methods.

Nutrition and Wellness Educator Diane Reinhold will explain the science behind freezing that makes a difference in whether you have a good or great product.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3z3uzb23.

Emergency Preparedness

GALENA, Ill. — Emergency Preparedness Essentials will be 1 to 3 p.m. April 16 at Midwest Medical Center, 1 Medical Drive, Galena.

Nutrition and Wellness Educator Diane Reinhold will discuss the importance of creating a culture of preparedness for you and your family. Topics discussed will include understanding weather warning terminology, recognizing common types of disasters, and knowing what steps to take before and after an emergency. Participants will also learn about fire and food safety considerations during disasters and the value of developing a personalized disaster plan to ensure everyone knows how to respond when it matters most.

Garden Planning

GRANVILLE, Ill. — Garden Planning Workshop will be 10 to 11 a.m. April 17 at Putnam County Library, 214 S. McCoy St., Granville.

Learn the basics of square-foot gardening and create a personalized plan for your own space. Whether youʼre a beginner or seasoned gardener, this hands-on session will help you maximize your gardenʼs potential.

Homegrown Harvest

DECATUR, Ill. — Homegrown Harvest: Soil Health and Planting Cool Season Crops will be 10 to 11 a.m. April 17 at Southside Hill Community Garden, 826 E. Lawrence St., Decatur.

Homegrown Harvest is a series of free, family-friendly vegetable garden workshops designed to support beginning gardeners through the growing season. Topics include seed sowing, soil health, planting cool season crops, and planting warm season crops. Workshop materials will be provided; bring your own gloves and tools.